Cyclone Activity Significantly Declined in Indian Ocean, Study Shows

In the north Indian Ocean, the number of low latitudes (originating between 5 and 11 degrees) cyclone formations decreased by 43% between 1981 and 2010 compared to the period between 1951 and 1980.

Bay of Bengal Researchers discovered a significant decline in tropical cyclone activity in the Indian Ocean. Cyclones can become powerful and unleash devastating storm surges, flooding, and winds.

According to research published in Nature Communications, international researchers discovered the decline of cyclones in the Indian Ocean.

The report highlighted that the winds in the regions could likely influence the development of cyclones.
Researchers conducted the study to understand the cyclones in the Indian Ocean better.

It is reportedly inspired by the devastating Cyclone Okchi (2017). The intense cyclone left widespread damage in India and Sri Lanka, causing 884 people casualties.

Research showed that a significant decline of 43% in terms of low-latitude formations was discovered in the region (1981 – 2010).

The reasons for the decline are due to the following:

• Increased vertical wind shear
• Weakening low-level vorticity of PDO

PDO (Pacific Decadal Oscillation) refers to the sea surface fluctuation in the Pacific Ocean. The temperatures in PDO play a crucial role in cyclone activity.

As warming events continue, strengthening a possible cyclone could be favorable, likely increasing storms in the coming decades.

According to Associate Professor Pallav Ray, the research could inspire further studies. Ray is also from Florida Tech.
Professor Ray explained that the cyclone activity declined in the equator; however, they discovered an increase away from the Indian Ocean.

Other researchers are from the following:

• New York University Abu Dhabi
• Abu Dhabi Polytechnic
• University of California
• McGill University
• India Meteorological Department
• Ministry of Earth Sciences in India
• Cochin University of Science and Technology
• Pacific Northwest National Laboratory

More facts about the Indian Ocean

The Indian Ocean is rich in marine biodiversity, serving as a significant home to many rare aquatic animals. However, pollution, climate change, global warming, and habitat loss can pose a severe threat.

It is also an essential route for ocean wildlife of whales, helping them to repopulate. At least 30% of global coral reefs are in the Indian Ocean, helping people and communities with job security.

Being a big ocean, it plays a vital role in mitigating the impacts of climate change, absorbing about 80% of heat. Without the Indian Ocean, global warming could likely worsen.

Furthermore, experts raised concerns about the overfishing in the Indian Ocean. It could cause the potential decline of fish in the area, especially the yellowfin tuna.